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This ambitious book treats urbanisation and urbanism all over the world, and from the earliest times to the present. Aidan Southall, a pioneer in the study of African cities, discusses the urban centres of ancient Sumeria, Greece and Rome, as well as medieval European cities, Chinese, Japanese, Islamic and Indic cities, colonial cities, and the great metropolises of the twentieth century. Drawing on this historical and comparative perspective, he offers a fresh analysis of world urbanisation in the contemporary period of globalisation. The study emphasises the enduring paradox of the city, which juxtaposes splendid cultural productions with the poverty and deprivation of the majority.

Introduction

1. 'Writing the city under crisis'

2. Pristine cities

3. Greece and Rome

4. Cities of the Feudal mode of production in Europe

5. Asian cities: Asiatic and Feudal modes of production

6. From colonial to Third World cities

7. The transformation of the city: from the Feudal to the Capitalist mode of production, and on to the apocalypse.